Govt intervenes to avert possible power interruptions

The government has intervened to avert Meralco’s warning of “rotating blackouts” due to the Supreme Court temporary restraining order (TRO) on the firm’s implementation of increased power rates.

In a text message, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla said that the government is working with the concerned stakeholders to balance the power supply and demand to address possible power outages.

The Energy department, he said, is trying to mediate between Meralco and the power generators in the hopes of finding a “practical solution.”

“While the SC TRO is pending and to ensure the continuity of service, the DOE has been in the process of mediating between Meralco and the power generators on a practicable solution as to how fuel costs will be shouldered between the parties and to reconcile their accounts depending on the final outcome of the case,” Petilla said.

Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. reiterated that the government is ready to protect consumers from excessive power rate increases.

“Tungkulin ng pamahalaan na pangalagaan ang kapakanan ng mga mamamayan [It is the duty of this government to defend the welfare of its citizen],” Coloma said.